Chesco battens down for storm, all schools closed

Staff photos by Tom Kelly IV
Line Officers with the First West Chester Fire Department held incident action plan meetings and took part in a Chester County, county wide Emergency Operation Center conference call Sunday afternoon October 28, 2012 in preparation of Hurricane Sandy. Approximately 25 cots are being setup at the fire house to be used by firefighters and their families if they are evacuated from their homes.

All Chester County schools are closed today and residents are urged to seek shelter as Hurricane Sandy approaches.

Emergency services officials are urging people to stay out of the expected storm today and Tuesday. Caution is urged for those who must go out.

Officials have warned of power outages from high winds and possible flooding from heavy rain.

The West Chester Area School District, Avon Grove School District, Great Valley School District, Oxford Area School District, Downingtown Area School District and Bishop Shanahan High School are closed for today and Tuesday. All other districts in the county announced they are closing for today.

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All Chester County government offices will be closed today and Tuesday. This includes all district and county courts.

All classes at West Chester University, Immaculata University will be closed today and Tuesday. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Valley Forge Christian College, Lincoln University and Delaware County Community College announced they will be closed today.

“You have a once every hundred years storm here, these things don’t happen often,” said Jim Scanlon, superintendent of West Chester Area School District.

Scanlon said the decision to close the schools came after considering the expected high winds and flooding which would make busing impossible. Scanlon said the plan now is to have schools open Wednesday though it is no guarantee. Communication to those in the district may also be difficult with power outages expected.

On Sunday, local residents had mixed emotions about the storm.

“So far it’s nothing,” said Everett Randall, of East Bradford. “We were just down in the keys and got hit by her down there so we come back up and we get hit by her again so we’ve got a double whammy of Sandy, but I’m not too worried about it. I think we will get a lot of rain, water and wind but that’s about it.

Tahany Naggar said she heard about the storm days ago, but unfortunately didn’t run out to get supplies until Sunday.

“I should have prepared earlier -- which I didn’t,” Naggar said. “So now I’m looking for flashlights and lanterns, and of course I can’t find them.”

Heather Hunt-Casper said she was doing the best to prepare though she is not especially worried since she feels insulated in the borough and can rely on public water.

“I’m not a worrier, it’s going to be exciting,” said Gregg Voltz, of West Chester.

In preparation of the coming storm local municipalities are urging their residents to stay safe and take necessary precautions.

The city of Coatesville has declared a state of emergency. Jim Lentz, interim fire chief and emergency manager, issued a statement instituting a daily curfew from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. until Wednesday at 7 a.m.

“This curfew is for residents and visitors of all ages,” Lentz said. “It is recommended that once inclement weather begins everyone should remain indoors in a safe structure throughout the incident.”

The Coatesville Police Department is authorized to enforce the curfew.

Residents of West Goshen are asked to not put out their recycling and trash bins for today collection for safety reasons as informed through a message from Ray Halvorsen, supervisor’s chairman and director of public works. Halvorsen advised residents to secure loose items on their property, which includes political signs that can become dangerous projectiles if tossed by the wind.

“Please make every effort to stay at home today and Tuesday if possible, as trees and electrical lines may be in the roadway,” Halvorsen said.

Residents are expected to prepare to be without power for an extended period of time. All emergency personnel in West Goshen will be on active status.

West Chester Borough Manager Ernie McNeely said residents with storm drains near their property can help by clearing away leaves to prevent flooding due to blockages.

“Anticipated rain fall may be heavy and due to high winds power outages may occur and be long in duration,” McNeely said.

McNeely advised residents to not drive through flooded intersections and streets as in accordance with the law.

The borough advised residents to have an ample supply of food and water for the household, including pets, and fresh batteries for flashlights.

If a generator is used, it run in a well-ventilated area and not in a closed garage. Do not refuel a running generator which could result in an explosion.

McNeely reminded residents to charge their cell phones before the storm. Residents can sign up for emergency alerts or updates by text and e-mail at the borough website, www.west-chester.com.

Thornbury has also issued a declaration of emergency. Township Manager Brody Bovero told residents this is largely for administrative purposes, but it does provide the township with additional resources in the event of a disastrous situation.

Bovero said a voluntary evacuation has been issued for flood-prone areas of the township and reminded motorists that Dilworthtown Road, Westtown Road, Route 926, Westtown-Thornton Road and South Concord Road are likely to experience flooding and may close.

The township is ready for downed tree limbs, though residents are asked to call 911 if they see a dangerous situation.

“If you choose to evacuate, please seek first to stay with friends, family, or at a hotel,” Bovero said. “The county will have two shelters opening up on Sunday, but shelters are for a last resort only.”

The two shelters are at Avon Grove High School, 257 State Road, Avondale; and Lionville Middle School, 550 W. Uwchlan Ave. (Route 113), Uwchlan. They open 7 p.m. Sunday.

To prepare for the wind and rain. West Bradford will open its Emergency Operations center Sunday. Township Manager Tommy Ryan assured residents that the public works and emergency vehicles are fueled and equipment ready. Storm sewer inlets have been checked and cleaned where needed.

Public announcements will be posted at www.westbradford.org.

Chester County Emergency Services said the Salvation Army on Market Street in West Chester is open as a shelter and will be providing meals. The shelter will remain open throughout the storm.

Spokeswoman Sara Smith said the American Red Cross of Southern Pennsylvania is setting up shelters in the county and is prepared to set up more if necessary. In all, Smith said, the Red Cross is capable of providing shelter for up to 26,000 people in the region.

Smith said the shelters are pet friendly and people should come prepared to the shelter with medication, clothes and activities or games for young children.

“Compared to Irene, the Red Cross is treating this just as seriously,” Smith said.

Smith added that people should prepare as much as possible before the storm hits. This means having supplies packed in case residents need to get out in a hurry.

County officials said residents should keep track of the storm and its path in order to prepare by listening to radios, television or weather websites.

Residents should shock up on supplies such as flashlights, batteries, battery operated radios, blankets and warm clothing, according to emergency officials. Residents should also fully charge cell phones, laptops and other electronic devices.

Other items include a first-aid kit, non-perishable food items, bottled water and essential medicines. Residents should have enough supplies to last at least three days, officials said.

SEPTA suspended all service at the end of Sunday’s service schedule, about 12:30 a.m. today.

Amtrak has suspended passenger service for the entire northeast corridor.

For updates and advice during a major weather incident in Chester County, visit the county’s website, www.chesco.org/des.

About the Author

Jeremy Gerrard is the Daily Local News' reporter covering the West Chester area and local school district. Jeremy is a Chester County native and a graduate of Auburn University. Reach the author at jgerrard@dailylocal.com
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